Friday, September 4, 2009

Baguio Attractions and Historical Landmarks



Baguio City probably has the largest number of visitor attractions clustered in a relatively small area compared to other tourist destinations in the Philippines. The most popular tourist attractions are located near each other, on the East and South sides, although there are a few near the residential areas. Just 8.2 km from east to west and 7.2 km from north to south and with inexpensive public transportation available, it is one of the easiest places to explore.
The first thing to do when touring is to buy a map ($1-$3 at the nearest gas station, bookstore). I suggest you select a map that marks or indicates the attractions I will be enumerating below, so you have an option of exploring Baguio on your own instead of taking a guided tour. That would save you more money -- to spend shopping instead! It would be good if you checked out Travel Tips for Baguio Visitors, too.



Burnham Park
Burnham Park is Baguio City's premier park. While Manila has Luneta or Rizal Park, Baguio City has Burnham Park. Named in honor of its planner and architect, Daniel Burnham, Burnham park is the most popular park in Baguio City.Around the park are the children's playground, biking area, orchidarium, football ground, skating rink, tennis court, basketball court and a few restaurants. The place gets so much visitors during the summer particularly the Holy Week and during Christmas season. By tradition, people flock to Burnham park on Christmas and New Year's day for picnics.

In the middle of the park is a man-made lake where you can go boating. If you'd rather savor the view of the lake or its beautiful surroundings, you can just walk around, enjoy the flowers, take pictures or probably just have a seat in one of the benches and watch. Baguio Cathedral

The Baguio Cathedral sits on top of a hill called by Belgian Catholic Mission as Mount Mary. The Baguio cathedral served as evacuation center and shelter during World War II withstanding Japanese carpet bombing, saving thousands of lives. Beside the Baguio Cathedral is a parking lot that also serves as a view deck for Baguio's surroundings including the Baguio Athletic Bowl, Burnham Park, Mount Sto Tomas, Baguio City Hall.


The Mansion


The official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. The main gate is an exact replica of the one found in Buckingham Palace in London.



Wright Park



The "Pool of Pines" or better known as Wright Park features a shallow elongated rectangular man-made pool of water. It was named after the architect, Governor Luke E. Wright (who ordered architect Daniel Burnham to build Baguio as a recreational facility for American soldiers and civilians).


Camp John Hay


Used to be an American military recreational camp during World War II, Camp John Hay is now a popular destination for people who wish to see the pine forests in the city. The place also boasts a sprawling country club with a full 18-hole golf course as well as many trendy restaurants and a nice hotel.



Session Road


Baguio City's modern commercial area started here. Therefore, expect to find some of the oldest and newest restaurants, bazaars, banks, private offices and many more. More importantly, Session Road serves as the center or starting point for staging the city's various festivities such as the very successful Panagbenga, Alumni Homecoming parades from various schools and others. The foot of Session Road starts from Maharlika Building perpendicular to Magsaysay Rd. From there, it goes all the way up to the ever-familiar Shoemart, where the former famous Pines Hotel used to be located.

Mines View Park


Mines View Park is one of the most frequented tourist spots in Baguio City. The park has a viewdeck where one can have an unobstructed view of Balatok, Antamok and Atok mines and a spectacular view of the Cordillera mountain range. These mines used to be rich in gold and copper. Within the area are souvenir shops where you can find locally-made souvenirs, home decor items, handmade jewelleries, food items that may be found only in Baguio City.



Botanical Garden


The Botanical Garden showcases huts of typical Igorot design. Around the park are trees and flowering plants that you can enjoy by walking thru stone-paved pathways. Inside the Botanical Garden, you can also find locally made artworks and some souvenir items. To get to the Botanical Garden, you follow Leonard Wood Rd, the same road going Saint Joseph church, Pacdal horseback riding grounds, Wright Park, Mansion House and Mines View Park. If coming from the city proper, it is found on the right side just after Teacher's Camp and before reaching Saint Joseph church or Pacdal Circle.

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